Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: Is It Gastroenteritis?

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea?

I ate a small bowl of spicy stir-fried rice cakes and a bowl of grass jelly with cereal as a snack.
A few hours after eating, I started feeling nauseous, and shortly after, I began to vomit, doing so 3 or 4 times.
It felt like there was nothing left in my stomach, and the last things I vomited were sour.
Then I started experiencing diarrhea.
During the vomiting and diarrhea, I had stomach pain and chills.
I noticed that sitting was slightly less painful for my stomach than lying down, although it still hurt a lot.
When I woke up the next morning, my stomach still hurt, but not as much as the night before.
Occasionally, my stomach would make gurgling noises.
I would like to know if this could be gastroenteritis and which specialty I should see.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/28

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gastroenterology.

Reply Date: 2021/12/28

More Info

Based on your symptoms and the timeline of events, it does seem likely that you are experiencing gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, or even certain medications.
Your experience of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea following the consumption of spicy food and dessert suggests that your gastrointestinal system may have reacted negatively to something you ingested. The fact that you vomited multiple times, and that the contents of your vomit were acidic, indicates that your stomach was emptying its contents in response to irritation. The accompanying abdominal pain and chills further support the idea of an acute gastrointestinal issue.

Gastroenteritis is characterized by symptoms such as:
1. Nausea and Vomiting: As your body tries to rid itself of the irritant.

2. Diarrhea: This occurs as the intestines become inflamed and cannot absorb water properly.

3. Abdominal Pain: This can vary in intensity and is often crampy.

4. Fever and Chills: These may occur if there is an underlying infection.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, preferably a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system disorders. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination and possibly some diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or stool tests, to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations for managing your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

2. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off whatever is causing your symptoms.

3. Avoid Solid Foods Initially: Once vomiting subsides, you can gradually reintroduce bland foods, such as toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce.

4. Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or if you experience high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your vomit or stool, seek medical attention immediately.

If your symptoms are indeed due to gastroenteritis, they typically resolve within a few days. However, if they persist or if you have recurrent episodes, further investigation may be necessary to rule out other conditions such as food intolerances, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease.

In summary, while your symptoms are consistent with gastroenteritis, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your health is paramount, and timely medical advice can help ensure a swift recovery.

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